scientific enquiry since the 18 th c, science has replaced religion as the means of answering...
TRANSCRIPT
Scientific Enquiry
• Since the 18th c, science has replaced religion as the means of answering questions about the universe.
• The scientific method was formulated by Francis Bacon.
What do we mean by Scientific Method?
• It is based on empirical evidence. (Relies on evidence from the 5 senses)
• Inductive reasoning-uses a number of observations.
Only Hippos Eat Vultures
• Observation• Hypothesis• Experiment• Verification• This is the method
used to try to find the truth about the universe via scientific method
Strengths of the method
• It is objective not based on opinion.
• It is based on physical evidence which we can test.
• Science works. It has produced space travel, mobile phones and computers.
Quotations in support:
• Dawkins: truth means scientific truth
• Bertrand Russell: What Science cannot discover, mankind cannot know
Weaknesses of Scientific Method
• Nothing can be absolutely proved by science. A theory is considered to be 6the best available explanation of the data. It is always open to correction.
Weaknesses of Scientific Method
• Scientists can never be neutral. There is always the danger they might become biased and record only what they want to see.
• Our senses can be tricked.
Weaknesses of Scientific Method
• There are many different scientific methods. T.S. Kuhn says that Science progresses through hunches and guesses which are not really objective. Also, the progress is subjective because it is influenced by institutional concerns and vested interests.
Summary
• Scientific method is based on evidence and experiment.
• Method formulated by Francis Bacon to evaluate all truth claims.
• Observation, hypothesis, experiment, and verification.
• Assumes that the world is orderly and able to be understood.
Summary
• Basis of scientific method is empirical evidence and use of inductive reasoning.
Tasks
• Read the handout provided, underline and highlight as you see fit!
• Complete a written response to the following: Describe scientific method explaining its strengths and weaknesses.